Who is the hunter? Who is the prey?

The energy core has been successfully modified. Once the outer framework is complete, the device will be stable and operational. All that's needed now is a little patience.

Upon hearing the news, the people in the canyon, already busy, quickened their pace. Seeing the finish line, they began their final sprint.

Ivankov and Ginny also stuck to their original plan. To prevent any unforeseen accidents in these final moments, they intended to try and snatch the Devil Fruits being used as prizes while the pirates were storming the area.

But before that, they had to participate in a new hunt. This time, however, the roles of hunter and prey had been reversed.

"Oran, why don't you get some rest? We can handle the rest."

Modifying the energy core wasn't physically demanding, but it was incredibly draining. Kate had already fallen into a deep sleep, having reached her limit while maintaining the electric field's stability.

Although Oran appeared unfazed, Bear and the others were worried.

"My body is special. I can go days without sleep. If I fall asleep now, I can't guarantee when I'll wake up. Have you set up everything I gave you?"

"Yes, it's all set up."

Seeing Oran's firm resolve, Bear and the others didn't press the issue. Their brief time together had given them a glimpse of Oran's personality. Since persuading him once was futile, further attempts would be meaningless.

"Then there's no problem. We'll proceed as planned, but first, there are a few things I need to say."

Oran walked over to a protruding platform on the rock face, looked at the people still rushing to finish their work, and picked up a makeshift megaphone.

"I'm sure you're all aware that a Celestial Dragon is approaching.

You've all been quite fortunate that no one has discovered this place these past few days. However, in the past, Celestial Dragons have wantonly destroyed your homes and slaughtered your loved ones on your land, all merely for their amusement!

Your good luck today doesn't guarantee good luck tomorrow. Today, I have a way for you to leave this place, but who can guarantee that you won't face the next one!

Is resistance really that difficult?

You have nothing left to lose, and these people want to take your remaining lives. Are you still afraid to take a chance in such a situation!

When the knife is at your throat, do you still intend to reason with them!"

The people below paused their work, but no one responded. This was hardly surprising.

If a few rousing words could ignite a spirit of rebellion, the Celestial Dragons' rule wouldn't have lasted this long.

Even if Oden's soul artifact were here, its effect would be diminished.

As long as they bore the Celestial Dragons' aura, few would dare to lay a hand on them, even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

"Of course, I'm not suggesting you attack the Red Line Continent – that would be suicide. But if you don't act when an opportunity presents itself, you are utterly weak. Now, a perpetrator is right outside!

Is there anyone! Who is willing to seek revenge!"

Silence remained the majority response, but this time, a few scattered individuals stepped forward. Most were former slaves, and a few were locals who had lost family members. Compared to the total number, they were few, but it was a start.

As long as the myth of the Celestial Dragons was shattered, and their blood served as nourishment, the seeds would eventually take root and sprout.

"Rep... Report to Saint Erlatin! Saint Gringo has ordered everyone to return to their base immediately. This game is temporarily suspended."

"Does that Gringo really think he's in charge? Does someone from the Figarland family think they can order me around? If I had also run for election, his position would be mine."

A man dressed in a black suit, resembling a secret agent, held a jewel-encrusted Den Den Mushi and knelt before a masked figure, his tone filled with deference.

Several others in similar attire were present, but no Navy personnel were in sight. This was a hunt for the Celestial Dragons, requiring only scorekeepers and obedient hounds to find prey for them.

The Navy, wanting to be their dogs, might not even qualify.

"Saint Erlatin, the message said pirates were approaching, which is why..."

The agent did not respond to Erlatin's outburst. Celestial Dragons handled their own affairs; any interference from him could lead to his immediate execution.

"A bunch of useless idiots! Are those Navy officers all eating dirt? Can't even handle such a small matter, what good are they!"

"You are absolutely right. So, what do we do now..."

"Search this area completely and return immediately. We're still a bit short on points. Could Gringo be afraid I'll surpass him and is doing this on purpose?

You useless fools, don't just stand there! Go find the trail of prey! Remember, you are forbidden to touch my prey, or I will have you all executed!"

"Yes!"

Although Erlatin grumbled, he complied with Gringo's orders and prepared to return. There were hierarchies even among Celestial Dragons, and Gringo was undoubtedly the leader figure now.

Complaining verbally was one thing, but ignoring Gringo would result in punishment for Erlatin.

Erlatin had been in a foul mood for days, having failed to encounter any high-scoring prey. If his points were too low, he would be ridiculed by his family upon his return.

As he pondered this, Lady Luck seemed to smile upon him.

"Saint Erlatin! A major discovery! It's that SR-class slave from the Buccaneer Tribe!"

Bear once again voluntarily acted as bait. The Celestial Dragons' classification of him made Bear the easiest target to draw fire.

"Hurry, chase him! If you lose him, I'll take your head as compensation!"

Just as ordinary people believed Celestial Dragons were untouchable, Celestial Dragons possessed a similar confidence, believing no one dared to defy them. Erlatin never imagined someone would set a trap for a Celestial Dragon on the island.

In his eyes, Bear was merely a fleeing rabbit worth ten thousand high-value points.

Utilizing his familiarity with the surrounding terrain, Bear quickly led them into a nearby canyon. Erlatin, guided by his loyal dog, followed closely behind.

Seeing Bear standing motionless at the dead end, he felt the prey had nowhere left to run.

"Kid, stop running and let me kill you quickly. That way, you'll suffer less."

Because a one-hit kill would grant bonus points, Saint Erlatin had no intention of torturing Bear. However, Bear ignored him, turned around, and vanished once more.

This time, Saint Erlatin didn't need to give any orders. The agents beside him immediately moved forward in pursuit. They didn't realize that mechanical lotuses had quietly bloomed among the fallen leaves beneath their feet.

Snap!

An agent stepped on a lotus. As the trigger mechanism was activated, the scattered petals quickly closed like a bear trap, firmly trapping him. At the base of the lotus, purple energy began to gather